Avoid making a paste with baking soda and lemon, strawberry, or any other fruit juice. Fruit juices are acidic and could erode your teeth’s enamel, especially when combined with baking soda or other abrasive products. [2] X Research source
Alternatively, use your fingertips to gently rub your teeth with the paste. Rub in soft circles, and don’t use too much force. If you have receding gums, avoid brushing the base of your teeth and around your gum line with baking soda. The substance that covers your teeth below the gums is softer than enamel and prone to damage. [4] X Research source
Note that you shouldn’t rinse after brushing with fluoride toothpaste, as rinsing reduces fluoride’s beneficial effects. For this reason, don’t brush or rinse with baking soda right after brushing with regular toothpaste. If you need to rinse away visible residue after using regular toothpaste, use as little water as possible. [5] X Research source
Keep in mind that brushing your teeth with baking soda should not replace brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups are the best ways to keep your teeth healthy. Before brushing with baking soda, check with your dentist to see if your teeth are healthy enough for this method. Your teeth may be sensitive to abrasion, and baking soda may cause irreversible dental erosion.
Make sure you use hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3% or less. Brush with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda once a week at most. Stop brushing and rinse your mouth with cool water if you feel a burning sensation. Don’t use this method if you have receding or sensitive gums, as hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and damage exposed roots. [8] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source
As with a baking soda and water paste, brush with baking soda and toothpaste in moderation. Try it every other day for 1 to 2 weeks at first, then brush with baking soda once or twice a week at most. You can also purchase a toothpaste that already contains baking soda. In the United States, look for a product that carries the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance, and use it as directed. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World’s largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source If you have sensitive teeth or dental erosion, avoid using toothpaste that contains baking soda or is branded as whitening products. [11] X Research source
The baking soda rinse won’t erode your teeth, so it’s safe to gargle with it daily. Gargling with a baking soda rinse whitens your teeth indirectly. Baking soda neutralizes acids, so it helps fight dental erosion caused by acidic foods and beverages. It can also help fight bacteria that cause decay and promote good bacteria that create a protective layer on your teeth. [13] X Research source
